Though it’s been a minute since Drea Kelly— the second ex-wife to disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly— was in the news, it appears she’s back and shaking the table. In particular, her recent comments about singer Cassie Ventura and colorism has folks feeling some type of way, so let’s break it all down.
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Drea’s comments come as part of a new interview she did on “Uplifting Moments with D’George Hines” where she reflected on the lack of support she received when she came forward with abuse allegations from her aforementioned ex-husband. Drea then juxtaposed her lack of support to the overwhelming support Cassie received once video and more stories of the domestic abuse she experienced by Sean “Diddy” Combs went public.
That’s when Drea made an interesting assessment, noting that colorism may have played a role in how their experiences were received by the public.
“Social media has brought it to the forefront, but I just want to say this and I need us as a community not to be offended when I say it. But let’s wake up and take out blinders off when I say this,” Drea began. “It’s really amazing to me that women like myself could come forward, Keke Palmer could come forward with a whole video of her getting flipped over an entire couch. But when you look like Cassie, we pay attention.”
Drea went on to say that the Black community “pick and choose who we want to celebrate and advocate for” based off how the victims look and asserted that society only sees the persona of certain problematic celebs and never the person for who they actually are.
She went on to make it clear that while she’s in support of Cassie and has no problem with the people who supported her, others in society need to take a step back and see where they fall short in voicing their support for other women.
Drea also expressed her gratitude that Tina Turner’s story also didn’t get publicized during today’s social day and age because she felt she would’ve suffered the same experience of not being as supported.
However, while Drea may have felt strong convictions in her stance and while we do know that colorism plays a role when it comes to Black women and girls who experience sexual violence— by the time her words hit the internet streets– many weren’t trying to hear it.
“For once I think it’s larger than colorism cause nobody heard Cassie fr until that video recording of her in the hallway at the hotel came out. It’s really WOMEN being able to come out and being believed,” wrote one user on Instagram.
“The obsession with skin color is a sickness,” said another.
One user expressed their confusion, writing: “Huh?! Ppl still attack Cassie and doubt her to this day . Cassie was doubted by many even after the vid came out.”
Over on X, people were a bit more irate, with one person noting: “Until Drea Kelly changes her f*cking last name, I don’t wanna hear nothing from that her ass. B*tch, you carry the name of a pedophile predator who pees on children… I don’t wanna hear shit you have to say.”
Added another user: “Drea and Keke are both problematic victims. That’s why neither barely received support. Still went on to associate with and stay with their abusers. Then went on to keep supporting abusers. Meanwhile, Cassie been fighting for actual justice. That’s the difference.”
Another person noted: “Drea, you not the messenger. Cassie wasn’t truly believed till the video dropped, and she never defended her abuser or kept his name. You did both. Stop projecting. You can’t cry colorism when accountability dodged you first.”
“DreaKelly is a f*cking clown. Cassie was and is STILL being called a liar! Keke Palmer had us ready to ride for her & then… you was helping Robert to a degree … you are no one’s hero, but you are a victim so I’ll chill,” another user wrote.
Straight From 
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